The study of religion is a humanistic discipline that focuses on religion as
one important element in culture. Historical, literary, anthropological, and
theological methods of study offer a critical approach to understanding
religion and its expressions in myths, symbols, and ideas, as well as in
religious communities, rituals, and moral actions.
Because this study often considers fundamental human questions that are asked
by every generation, it is closely linked with other academic disciplines which
study the nature and character of human life.
Majoring in the field of religion provides a focus for integrated study in the
humanities. Most of the courses and units are open to the many students with
general interest in the field.
Majors are expected to consult with members of the Department in designing
their programs of study. The study of religion often embraces work in other
fields, and majors are encouraged to coordinate courses in other fields with
their work in religion.
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Requirements for the Major in Religion
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Starting with the class of 1999, the religion major will consist of a
total of eleven courses (twelve for honors candidates), one of which must be
taken in another academic program. The Old Religion Major Requirements remain in effect for students through the class of 1998
The eleven courses for the New Religion Major must include:
- Two courses in theoretical and comparative studies of religion. The courses
that satisfy this requirement are: any 100-level religion course, 200, 204, 222, 260,
261, 262.
- Two two-course sequences (four courses total). Each sequence must be drawn
from a different area below and may consist of any pair of courses listed for
that area. Note: courses need not be taken in the order in which they are
listed.
Area A (Ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean Religions): 225-236,
235-236, 235-238, 236-241, 235-264, 238-257, 264-214, 204-214, 235-214, 235-210, 235-213
Area B (Medieval, Modern Western, and American Religions): 238-258,
241-245, 241-242, 242-245, 242-243, 243-260, 216-217, 216-247, 217-247, 200-258, 204-214, 264-214
Area C (South and East Asian Religions): 249-250, 208-209, 250-208,
250-209, 250-263
- A 300-level seminar associated with one of the two sequences.
Area A: 303A, 303B
Area B: 301, 305, 306, 365A, 303A
Area C: 307, 308, 309
- A course from outside the religion curriculum that is associated with one of
the two sequences, and that must be approved by the student's advisor. Courses
cross-listed with religion (e.g., in anthropology or philosophy) may be used to
satisfy this requirement. This requirement may also be met through two
semesters of a relevant foreign language at the college level.
- Religion 450, the Senior Research Seminar.
- Thesis (Religion 457) or honors thesis (Religion 457 and 458).
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Requirements for the Honors Major in Religion
- Ordinarily, a student must have a grade point average in the religion major of at least 3.5 in order to begin an honors thesis.
- A student who wishes to enter the honors program must receive the Department's approval before registering for the first semester of the honors thesis (Religion 457). This involves two steps.
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First, the student must speak with a member of the religion faculty who is a likely advisor for the project and provide that faculty member with a brief written statement of the thesis topic that they would like to pursue.
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Second, the religion faculty will meet to give Departmental approval for the student to register in Rel. 457.
This is ordinarily done at the time of registration for the first semester of the senior year (i.e., in March of the junior year). Students who are studying abroad during their junior year should let their advisor know in advance of their interest in doing an honors thesis. In every case, of course, the process of receiving Departmental approval must be completed by the last day to add courses for the fall semester.
- Honors candidates must turn in a thesis prospectus to their advisor by October 1. The prospectus describes 1) the central question(s) that the essay will address, 2) the way you presently anticipate answering that question (i.e., the thesis you will defend), and 3) the major stages of the discussion in developing and defending that thesis. A thesis prospectus is not a final and binding definition of your project; it will almost surely change as you continue your research. It is simply a look ahead that reflects your current understanding of the direction and structure of your essay.
- In order to remain in the honors program, students must make adequate progress on the thesis during the fall semester. This will be determined by the thesis advisor, in consultation with other members of the Department. Ordinarily an initial draft of the first chapter should be submitted by November 15.
Last updated September 18, 1997
Maintained for the Department of Philosophy & Religion by
Robert W. Allison
http://www.bates.edu/Faculty/Philosophy%20and%20Religion/Religion_Major.html